Page:The Bridge of San Luis Rey (Grossett & Dunlap).pdf/107

 equally well. So Esteban sat up in their room by a guttering candle, his knuckles between his teeth, and wondered why Manuel was so changed and why the whole meaning had gone out of their life.

One evening Manuel was stopped on the street by a small boy who announced to him that the Perichole wished him to call upon her at once. Manuel turned in his path and went to the theatre. Straight, sombre and impersonal, he entered the actress’s room and stood waiting. Camila had a service to ask of Manuel and she thought a few preliminary blandishments were necessary, but she scarcely paused in combing a blond wig that was dressed upon the table before her.

“You write letters for people, don’t you? I want you to write a letter for me, please. Please come in.”

He came forward two steps.

“You never pay me the least visit either of you.